Manchester is a bustling city, known for its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. However, sometimes, you may yearn to escape city life and feel the sand between your toes at a beautiful beach. Luckily, there are several stunning beaches close to Manchester that can be easily reached by train. In this article, we will explore the six best beaches near Manchester that you can visit using cheap train tickets. So, pack your beach bag, and let's get ready to embark on a seaside adventure!
Southport Beach
The nearest beach to Manchester is Southport Beach, located just 34.32 miles away. Southport Beach is a perfect blend of golden sands and lush countryside, offering a serene escape from city life. The beach is well-maintained, holding a Quality Coast Award, and the promenade is full of shops, pubs, and restaurants to explore.
How to Get There
To reach Southport Beach, hop on a direct train from Victoria or Oxford Road stations. The beach is just a mile walk from Southport train station. Make sure to book your cheap train tickets in advance to get the best deals.
What to Do and See
At Southport Beach, you can:
- Explore the sand dunes and spot the local wildlife.
- Enjoy a safe paddle in the calm waters.
- Visit Southport Pier, the oldest iron pier in Britain, complete with its own tram.
- Take a stroll along the promenade and discover the local walking paths and trails.
Blackpool Beach
Blackpool is a classic Victorian seaside resort boasting seven miles of beaches. The Pleasure Beach theme park, with its 125 rides and attractions, is a must-visit. Blackpool is a National Treasure, offering entertainment for visitors of all ages.
How to Get There
To get to Blackpool Beach, take a direct train from Piccadilly, Oxford Road, or Deansgate stations. The beach is about a mile from Blackpool North train station. Secure your cheap train tickets early to enjoy the best savings.
What to Do and See
At Blackpool Beach, you can:
- Visit the three magical piers: North Pier, Central Pier, and South Pier, offering food, entertainment, arcades, and more.
- Take in the view from the top of Blackpool Tower and marvel at its resemblance to the Eiffel Tower.
- Attend concerts and events at the Winter Gardens.
- Experience the annual illuminations display, featuring extravagant light shows along the promenade.
- Enjoy the bustling nightlife and charming B&Bs in Blackpool town center.
Morecambe Beach
Morecambe, Blackpool's near neighbor, is a more relaxed seaside resort that hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as the Kite Festival and Vintage-by-the-Sea. Morecambe Beach stretches five miles long and is a mixture of golden sands and mudflats.
How to Get There
To reach Morecambe Beach, catch an indirect connection from Piccadilly, Victoria, or Oxford Road stations. The beach is just a half-mile walk from Morecambe train station. Book your cheap train tickets ahead of time to secure the best prices.
What to Do and See
At Morecambe Beach, you can:
- Explore the recently renovated promenade, featuring independent cafes, tourist shops, and marine-inspired artwork.
- Enjoy the stunning views of the nearby Lakeland Mountains.
- Visit Hest Bank, an internationally renowned bird-watching site, managed by the RSPB.
- Discover other highlights like the Eric Morecambe statue, the Winter Gardens, and the Art Deco Midland Hotel.
Ainsdale Beach
Ainsdale Beach offers a stunning, long sandy shoreline that forms part of the local Sand Dunes nature reserve. This perfect balance of relaxation and activity ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
How to Get There
To reach Ainsdale Beach, take an indirect train journey from Piccadilly, Victoria, or Oxford Road stations. The beach is a mile away from Ainsdale train station. Book your cheap train tickets early to enjoy the best savings.
What to Do and See
At Ainsdale Beach, you can:
- Participate in extreme kite sports such as kitesurfing, land boarding, and kite buggying.
- Enjoy the clean, well-maintained beach that has won the Blue Flag Award and Quality Coast Award.
- Visit the Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, home to rich flora and fauna.
- Take advantage of free cycle hire at the Ainsdale Discovery Centre.
- Explore the shopping opportunities and great restaurants in Ainsdale town.
Lytham St Annes Beach
Lytham St Annes offers tranquil beaches perfect for relaxing and enjoying various water activities. When you visit this serene resort, you'll feel modern world stresses melt away.
How to Get There
To reach Lytham St Annes Beach, catch an indirect train from Piccadilly, Victoria, or Oxford Road stations. The beach is an eight-minute walk from St Annes-on-the-Sea train station. Purchase your cheap train tickets in advance to secure the best deals.
What to Do and See
At Lytham St Annes Beach, you can:
- Rent a charming beach hut for a private space to watch the world go by.
- Take the kids to the popular Splash Park, a free water play area with fountains, jets, and sprays.
- Attend annual events and festivals like the Lytham Festival and St Annes International Kite Festival.
- Explore the Promenade Garden, home to the town's iconic windmill.
- Discover Lytham Town's independent shops, restaurants, bars, and attractions.
Crosby Beach
Crosby Beach, located on the Merseyside coastline north of Liverpool, is popular with beachgoers seeking a mix of scenery, art, and seaside fun.
How to Get There
To get to Crosby Beach, take an indirect train from Piccadilly, Victoria, or Oxford Road stations. The beach is an 11-minute walk from Blundells ands-and-Crosby train station. Secure your cheap train tickets early to enjoy the best savings.
What to Do and See
At Crosby Beach, you can:
- Explore the two-and-a-half-mile shoreline, featuring sand, shingles, and mudflats, alongside sand dunes rich with wildlife.
- Visit Antony Gormley's art installation, ‘Another Place,' featuring 100 cast-iron figures scattered across the shoreline.
- Enjoy popular activities like kite surfing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing, and birdwatching.
- Entertain the kids at the adventure playground located near the Leisure Centre.
- Stroll along the beautiful promenade, visit local landmarks, and explore independent shops, pubs, and cafes in Crosby town.
How To Get Cheap Train Tickets to Manchester's Nearby Beaches
Now that you know about the six best beaches near Manchester reachable by train, it's time to start planning your seaside escape. To secure the best prices on train tickets, keep these tips in mind:
- Book in advance: Train ticket prices often increase as the departure date approaches, so secure cheap train tickets by booking early.
- Use railcards: If you're eligible, a railcard can save you up to 1/3 of your train fares.
- Travel during off-peak times: Avoid rush hour and consider traveling midweek or during weekends for lower ticket prices.
- Be flexible with your travel dates: Sometimes, traveling a day earlier or later can result in significant savings.
- Use fare-finding tools: Utilize online tools and apps to help you find the best deals on train tickets to Manchester nearby beaches.
By following these tips and booking cheap train tickets, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a memorable seaside adventure near Manchester.
